Egypt’s Minister of Planning and Economic Development, Hala El-Said, discussed disbursing the third phase of the financial grant to irregular workers affected by the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
El-Said’s remarks came during a Tuesday meeting with the Committee for the support of labour affected by the economic repercussions of the coronavirus, led by the minister.
As with previous phases under the initiative, SMS messages will be sent out to the workers who have registered for the financial aid, on the date of the disbursement.
During the meeting, El-Said stressed that training programmes and employment opportunities will be provided for irregular workers following the distribution of the grant.
The minister also emphasised the need to act upon any complaints made by citizens, and provide solutions under the unified governmental complaints system. She asserted the added importance of providing the necessary support to small companies.
El-Said explained that the Ministerial Committee targets all workers affected by the pandemic, rather than specifically informal workers. She pointed out that the National Council for Wages has put in place a set of measures on the status of irregular and regular employment.
“Preserving employment represents a key pillar to support the national economy to cross the current crisis,” El-Said said.
The minister indicated that monitoring of the number of affected workers is ongoing, with these workers receiving compensation from the Emergency Fund set up by the Ministry of Manpower.
The committee’s meeting was attended by Minister of Manpower Mohamed Saafan, Minister of Communications and Information Technology Amr Talaat, Minister of Social Solidarity Nevin Al Kabbaj, Undersecretary of the Administrative Control Authority Akram Abdel Basset, and Deputy Chairperson of Egypt Post Abdo Alwan.
